Another day of low COVID-19 cases is good news as BC heads for reopening next week and the current emergency to be lifted on May 27. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, reported 15 new infections and three new deaths for a total of 2,392 cases in British Columbia.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA –Another day of low COVID-19 cases is good news as BC heads for reopening next week and the current emergency to be lifted on May 27.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, reported 15 new infections and three new deaths for a total of 2,392 cases in British Columbia.

"There are 372 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 1,885 people who tested positive have recovered,” they said in a joint statement on Thursday.

"Of the total COVID-19 cases, 58 individuals are hospitalized, 12 of whom are in intensive care. The remaining people with COVID-19 are recovering at home in self-isolation.

"Every health region in British Columbia has patients with COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 878 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, 1,149 in the Fraser Health region, 126 in the Island Health region, 181 in the Interior Health region and 58 in the Northern Health region.

"We are saddened to report three new COVID-19 related deaths in the Fraser Health region, for a total of 135 deaths in British Columbia. We offer our condolences to the family, friends and caregivers of this individual, and to everyone who has lost their loved ones.

"There have been no new long-term care or assisted-living facility outbreaks. In total, 15 facilities and four acute-care units have active cases. The outbreak has now been declared over at the MSA rehab acute-care unit in the Fraser Health region.

"Public health teams are continuing to provide support for community outbreaks in the poultry sector, at the Mission Institution and with those connected to the Kearl Lake plant in Alberta.

"We are transitioning into Phase 2 of BC's Restart Plan slowly, with careful thought and consideration. While many of us would look to plan our summer activities well in advance, this year, with the risks of COVID-19 around us, we need to take things week by week.

"Less travel right now is what we are asking of everyone. There are so many activities and places for us to safely enjoy - close to home. Rain or shine, we can get outside and enjoy some of the best of B.C. right in our backyards.

"Top of mind for all of us needs to be: fewer faces, smaller groups, shorter time together and bigger spaces. Always thinking about location, duration and our relations will help to keep all of us safe.

"Let's use this May long weekend as an opportunity for everyone to put our safe social interaction 'rules' into action. A safe path ahead is based on your personal circumstances and your actions.

"Let's keep our curve flat and keep our province strong - together."

B.C. COVID-19 Response Update

Cases:

* Total confirmed cases in B.C.: 2,392

* New cases since May 13, 2020: 15

* Active cases: 372

* Hospitalized cases: 58

* Intensive care: 12

* COVID-19 related deaths: 135

* Recovered: 1,885

* Long-term care and assisted-living homes currently affected: 15

* Acute-care unit outbreaks: 4

Confirmed cases by region:

* Vancouver Coastal Health: 878

* Fraser Health: 1,149

* Island Health: 126

* Interior Health: 181

* Northern Health: 58

New provincial advice and measures:

* Premier outlines plan to restart B.C. safely with BC's Restart Plan: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0026-000826

* As the May long weekend approaches, government reminds people to avoid all non-essential travel in the province to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and instead stay local if deciding to enjoy the outdoors: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PSSG0026-000870

* Impacts of COVID-19 on ICBC report released: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020AG0035-000880

* Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, has released COVID-19 order on licensed practical nurse swabbing:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

* Your story, our future survey on BC Centre for Disease Control website:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-survey

New federal advice and measures:

* Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces new support for Canada's fish harvesters:
https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/14/prime-minister-announces-new-support-canadas-fish-harvesters

* Starting June 1, 2020, Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada will gradually resume some operations at selected national parks, national historic sites, national marine conservation areas and national wildlife areas: https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2020/05/starting-june-1-2020-parks-canada-and-environment-and-climate-change-canada-will-gradually-resume-some-operations-at-selected-national-parks-nation.html

* Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of Farm Credit Canada announced the launch of a $100-million Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund:
https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2020/05/farm-credit-canada-backed-fund-offers-innovative-and-flexible-solutions-for-uncertain-times.html

* Statement from Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, on joint commitment with World Trade Organization members to support small businesses:
https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/05/statement-from-minister-ng-on-joint-commitment-with-wto-members-to-support-small-businesses.html

* The Canadian Border Service Agency reminds travellers of restrictions ahead of the long weekend:
https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2020/05/the-cbsa-reminds-travellers-of-restrictions-ahead-of-the-long-weekend.html